A few things have and haven't happened in Singapore since I've been away. On the face of it, Singy seems to have gotten hipper with the addition of some new restaurants and bars (28 Hong Kong Street and Jigger and Pony are notable picks). But what hasn't changed is how many of these places emphasize style over substance, making you think, on first glance, that they'll become regulars on your rotation. But you soon realize that like so many other slick, design-y establishments, they just can't close the deal. Prices are exorbitant, food is underwhelming, cocktails aren't made properly, blah, blah, blah. I'm not going to point fingers here, but you know who you are, overpriced, average, OZ-American-Western-expat magnet bistros.
My continual dissapointment with these places is why Lucha Loco, perched on happening Duxton Hill with its rowdy tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, is such a welcome addition. Not only are the setting and decor are as cool as you'll find, but, and this is key, the food is great. (Tostadas! Beef tacos! Ceviche!) And it's that rarest of rare species: Mexican food! Good Mexican food! In Asia!
My only suggestion (and I strongly suggest this--the bartender and I have discussed it at length) is that they add a traditional Margarita to the menu. The house Margarita is made with agave syrup, and this offends my purist sensibilities. But even that I am willing to overlook, because Lucha Loco closes the deal.



